Abstract:

Modern higher education is facing a number of challenges that have increased dramatically during the global pandemic. It was necessary to quickly rethink the possibilities for teaching, using modern information technologies, however, without affecting the quality of education. In the last two years, the University of Library Studies and Information Technologies (ULSIT) is actively working to enrich the educational programs while looking for options for more face-to-face training taking into account the specifics of the studied specialties.

ULSIT has established itself as a leader in the training of specialists for the GLAM sector. As in the last decade the number of specialties that are directly involved in the training of library and archival staff has increased. Observing the traditions and at the same time following the tendencies for change, high results are achieved and trained specialists are created to successfully develop the activities of the institutions of memory. The Faculty of Library Studies and Cultural Heritage (FLSCH) trains students in the following specialties related to the institutions of memory: Library and Information Sciences and Knowledge Management (LISKM), Library and Information Management (LIM), Archival and Documentary Studies (ADS), Cultural and Historical Heritage (CHH), Tourism Information Resources (TIR).

The university is a preferred choice for students from all over the country, who with their knowledge and experience support the development of Bulgarian libraries, archives, museums, etc. The percentage of realized students after their graduation is extremely high, as is the percentage of students who decide to acquire specialized knowledge at a more mature age, or after being long-term practitioners.

The report aims to trace the trends in the specialty of Archival and Documentary Studies at the Department of Library Management and Archival Studies. The emphasis of the analyzes is focused on several main specifics: the age of the students and their professional orientation at the time of entering ULSIT. The differences in the motivation of the different generations are analyzed, on the basis of a short survey conducted among students in the bachelor's degree in full-time and part-time educational programmes. Focus group interviews with students are also conducted.

According to the results of the data analysis from the academic documentation, there is a tendency to increase the age of students, which is dictated by a number of prerequisites. The results obtained from the survey can be used to build new concepts in the enrichment of curricula and programs in the specialty. The report and the research presented in it are a good starting point for the implementation of new policies by the university.

Keywords:

ULSIT, Bulgaria, Archival and Documentary Studies, Trends.